Engine-valve mechanism



E. E. HUMES ENGINE VALVE MECHANISM May 20, 1930.

Fi1 ed May 22, 1929 INVENT0R.'

- ATTORNEYS,

Patented May 20; 1930 v UNITED "STATES ERNEST E. mnvrns, OF CAMBRIDGE srnnvss, rnnnsxnvnnm ENGINE-VALVE MECHANISM Application filed May 22, 1929. Serial No. 365,192. 7 y

This invention is designed to simplify the valve mechanism of engines and is particularly exemplified as used in a steam engine. As formed, the engine affords-large port areas in a comparatively small space and is also a valve mechanism that may bereadily and conveniently manufactured. Features and de tails of the invention will appear from the specification and claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows Fig. 1 shows a central section through an engine cylinder with the valve mechanism in place. 1

Fig.2 a bottom view of the cylinder cover.

Fig. 3 a section of the steam chest as formed in the cylinder cover, the section being similar to the section shown in Fig. 1 but with the valve removed.

Fig. 4 a side elevation of the valve detached.

1 marks the cylinder, 2 a piston operating in the cylinder, 3 a connecting rod, 4 an exhaust portleading from the cylinder, said exhaust port being controlled by the piston. Ports 5 are arranged in the cylinder head and these ports extend to a steam chest 7 which is also arranged in the head. The ports 5 are annularly arranged both as to their discharge into the pistonsand as to their connection with the steam chest. Inlet ports 8 are also annularly arranged around the steam chest and receive steam from a steam supply opening 9. I

A valve 10 is arranged in the steam chest 7 and is cylindrical in shape and provided with annularly arranged U-shaped valve passages 11, the inlet and outlet ends of the passages being adapted to simultaneously register with the ports 8 and 5 so as to put these ports in communication.

Connecting ribs 13 connect the opposite walls of the ports 5 and 9 providing openings 14: between such ribs, these ribs tying the opposite walls together. Similar ribs 13 connect the opposite walls at the cylinder end of the ports 5, providing openings 14 between the ribs.

A bridge piece 12 on the outer side of the connecting ribs 15, openings 16 being ar-. ranged between the ribs. All ofthese ribs, except 13 ,"are preferably arranged at an angle soas to facilitate the easy movement of theactuating parts past the ribs.

A stem 17' extends through a cap 18 atthe upper end of, the chest. A spring 19 operates under a head 20 for closing the valve and a cam21 operates on the head 20. I The cam is drivenby a shaft 22, said shaft being driven by the engine through the usual connection (not shown). r

In the operation of the engine, as the valve ismoved down to bring the ends of'the U; shaped passage into register with the ports steam is delivered to the cylinder. Upon the piston reaching the desired position for the cut-off, the valve is closed. Onflthe further action of the piston it reaches the exhaust port 5 and discharges the steam from the cylinder. The piston then returns compressing the residue that may remain'in the cylinder and the valve is actuated opening the port and completing the cycle. The valve forms, in a very small space and in a portion where the heat from the ports and chest is Valuable in heating the head of the cylinder an efficient valve mechanism for controlling the steam entrance to the engine. The valve and its chest may be very readily machined and very cheaply made.

What I claim as newis I 1. In a valve mechanism, the combination of an engine cylinder; .a cylindrical valve steam chest having annularly arranged ports leading to the cylinder and annularly ar-v ranged ports leading to the chest; and a valve in the chest having an annularly arranged U-shaped valve passage adapted to connect the ports.

2. In a valve mechanism, the combination of an engine cylinder; a cylindrical valve steam chest having annularly arranged ports leading to the cylinder and annularly ar-. ranged ports leading to the chest; a valve in the chest having an annularly arranged U-shaped valve passage adapted to connect the ports; and ribs connecting the walls at opposite sides of the ports and valve passage.

V valve stem. a

.In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my-hand. 7 v ERNEST E. HUMES.

3. Ina valve mechanism, thecombination of a cylinder; a cylindrical valve steam chest in'axial alinement with the engine cylinder,

said chest having annularly arranged ports leading to the cylinder and annularly arranged ports leading to the chest; and a valve in the chest having an annularly ar ranged U-shapedvalve passage adapted to connect the ports.

4. In an enginevalve mechanism, the coinblnation of an 'englne cylinder having an exhaust port; a piston in the cylinder c0ntr0lling the exhaust port; a cylindrical steam chest arranged in the cylinder head and having annularly arranged ports leading to the cylinder and annularly arranged ports leading to the chest; and a valve in thechest having an annularly arranged U-shaped valve passage adapted to connect the ports.

5. In anengine valvemechanism, the combination of a cylinderhaving an exhaust port therein; a piston arranged in the cylinder and controlling the exhaust port; a cylinder head in which is arranged a valve chest, the'valve chest having annularly arranged "ports leading from the chest to the cylinder and annularly arranged ports leadingto the chest; a cylindrical valve in the chest having an annularly arranged U-shaped valve passage adapted to connect the ports; a valve stem on the valve; and a cam actuating the 

